Athena’s role will initially involve providing ore samples from its Byro magnetite project to trial suitable green iron technologies.
Athena will initially provide ore samples from its Byro magnetite project for testing green iron technologies. The Byro project can produce a 70% Fe grade concentrate, ideal for green iron applications, with potential to supply high-grade magnetite concentrate for the initiative. The partnership has formed Mid West Green Iron, a new company with equal shareholdings among the three parties, to drive the project’s development.
Peter Jones, Athena’s managing director and CEO, stated: “The quality, scale, location and metallurgy of the Byro magnetite project [have a] unique ability to provide the ultra-high-grade concentrate products required for a regional green iron development. Warradarge Energy has a similar regional focus and a synergistic scaled development plan for their Warradarge green hydrogen project in the Midwest. Fenix, Athena’s largest shareholder, has the regional logistics solutions and balance sheet to support future project development and management of a green iron project.”
Jones added: “Athena’s primary focus remains the development of the company’s 100% owned high-quality Byro magnetite project. Partnering on local green iron opportunities is an obvious opportunity for Athena to develop a future high-value market for our iron products in addition to the obvious export opportunities.”
The Mid West green iron project will progress in three phases: validation, demonstration, and commercial production. The validation phase, set to conclude by the end of 2026, will test magnetite concentrate samples from Athena’s Byro project. The demonstration phase will involve constructing a small-scale green iron plant, potentially with additional partnerships and funding. Successful demonstration will lead to a full-scale production facility, which may include further project partners.
The initiative aligns with the region’s focus on sustainable industrial development, leveraging Warradarge Energy’s green hydrogen expertise and Fenix Resources’ logistics capabilities. By utilizing high-grade magnetite and renewable energy, the project aims to create a sustainable alternative for iron production, serving both domestic and international markets while supporting environmental goals in Western Australia’s mid-west region.
